The Federal Ministry of Works has included a series of community empowerment and sensitisation projects, valued at over N500 million, in its proposed budget for the 2026 fiscal year. The details, which have sparked public discourse, were found in the 2026 Appropriation Bill document uploaded on the official Budget Office website.
Breakdown of the Proposed Empowerment Expenditure
An analysis of the budget document reveals specific allocations spread across various geopolitical zones. Under the budget line with code ERGP 12234747, the ministry plans to spend N35 million to supply grinding machines to women in the Ndokwa/Ukwani Federal Constituency, located in the South-South region. The exact number of machines to be supplied remains unspecified.
In a similar vein, another N35 million is earmarked for the training and empowerment of women in hair dressing, make-up, and soap making. This project is targeted at the Mikang/Shandam/Quampan Federal Constituency in Plateau State, which falls within the North Central zone.
Youth Empowerment and Anti-Drug Advocacy
The ministry's proposals extend beyond women's empowerment. A sum of N70 million is proposed for training and equipping youths and seven retirees with various skills and trade tools in Inyamaltu/Deba, Gombe State, situated in the North East.
Furthermore, the ministry intends to spend another N70 million on procuring and distributing mini pick-up vans, mini shuttle buses, and motorcycles to constituents in the Abakaliki Federal Constituency of Ebonyi State in the South East.
Among the several similar proposals is a notable allocation for the training, sensitisation, advocacy, and empowerment of North Central Youths against drug abuse. This particular project is planned for Zamfara State, which is geographically in the North West region.
Context and Public Scrutiny
The inclusion of these non-traditional items in the budget of the Federal Ministry of Works, whose primary mandate revolves around infrastructure development, has drawn attention. The proposals come amidst ongoing national debates about fiscal responsibility and the alignment of budget items with the core functions of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
While community empowerment initiatives are generally viewed positively, their placement under the Works ministry's budget raises questions about strategic planning and inter-ministerial coordination. The public and fiscal watchdogs are likely to scrutinise these allocations further as the 2026 Appropriation Bill undergoes legislative review and approval processes.
